It was Diego Simeone's side sixth consecutive win at the Vicente Calderon and it means they remain just one point behind the champions.

Athletic, meanwhile, went into the game just one point off the fourth Champions League spot but produced another disappointing away display and were reduced to 10 men late on when Erik Moran was sent off.

Strike partnership: David Villa (left) and Diego Costa (right) both got on the scoresheet in Atletico's 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday

Prolific: Costa, who will soon play for Spain despite his Brazilian birth, could rival Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for top scorer in La Liga

Fortress: Atletico have won six in a row at home, and are just a point behind Barcelona